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Disability Consultations

The Minister responsible for Persons with Disabilities has planned a series of cross-country meetings to collect information on disability issues leading to new legislation. The cities and dates are now available (see below).  For the exact time and  locations, go to this web page and scroll down. http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/consultations/disability/legislation/index.page I encourage you to attend if you can.

If you cannot attend any of the meetings, you can still submit your thoughts by mail, email or phone.

The National ME/FM Action Network has prepared a submission to the consultation process. You can read it here. Please remember that we are writing this from a national organization level. You might wish to make some of the same points, but you need to express them from your perspective.

Here are some questions to consider.

For individuals:

• Do you feel a sense of community belonging? What would give you a stronger sense of community belonging?

• What has been your experience accessing health care?

• What has been your experience accessing disability income benefits (LTD, CPP-D, DTC, provincial disability benefits, etc)?

• What has your experience been in accessing other accommodations – at work, school, community etc.?

• Are the benefits adequate?

For groups/organizations/professionals:

• What has been the experiences of your members/clients on the questions above?

• What changes would make life easier for your members/clients?

• What would help you serve your members/clients better ?

Remember – the purpose of legislation is to help people with disabilities, so you should be able to draw a connection between what is being suggested for the legislation and what would help you or others with disabilities.

Note:  The federal government is more interested in matters that fall within federal jurisdiction that matters that fall within provincial jurisdiction.  You should not have to be a constitutional expert to know what to say.  If you have a point to make, say it, and let the government sort out who is responsible.  Or contact us and we will suggest how to make this point with the federal government.

Margaret

Margaret Parlor
President
National ME/FM Action Network

Public Hearings: